Keeping Safe on the Internet this Holiday Season

As a small business website owner, you are likely 'exposed' to the dangerous elements of the Internet much more than a casual user. It is important that you take the time to thing about protecting your personal and business data as you roam the Internet.

This time of year it is particularly important to 'double-check' your protection since it is likely that your employees may be using your office PCs to do a little last minute Holiday shopping.

Here are some tips provided by Comcast and McAfee that will get you started.

1. Use anti-virus software and tools -- Install active and up-to-date anti-virus software on all computers to detect and remove viruses and keyloggers that can steal customers' identities when using their bank or credit cards online. Comcast customers can also download a free Comcast Toolbar, which includes anti-spyware, a pop-up blocker and alerts about Web sites that are potentially unsafe.

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2. Use anti-phishing software -- Phishing is a term used for Internet scammers who imitate legitimate companies in e-mails to entice people to share user names, passwords, account information or credit card numbers. Make sure to also install anti-phishing software to ensure you don't get duped by these kinds of online scams.

3. Turn operating system updates on -- Ensure the operating system's automatic updates are turned on. Most operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows and Macintosh, include free automated security updates to protect computers and files from hackers.

4. Install a firewall -- A firewall is the first line of defense against online threats. It monitors the data passed between a computer and the Internet. Of the 70 percent of Americans that believe they have a firewall installed, only 64 percent actually have it enabled.*** If customers already have a firewall, make sure that it is enabled.

5. Secure your wireless network -- One in ten Americans have been the victim of online identity theft. Secure access to home or personal networks with a password to make sure that others cannot access any personal information by hopping on to your wireless network. Those who are especially vulnerable are those who live in apartment buildings or densely populated neighborhoods.

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6. Choose a secure password -- When a Web site requires a username and password, create a secure password by combining different numbers and letters. Remember, the longer the password the better. In addition, always completely log off of a Web site after completing an online transaction. Finally, never allow unauthorized persons access to secret passwords. If they must be written down, keep them well hidden.

7. Above all, be skeptical -- The Internet not only presents enormous possibilities, but also serious risks. Make good decisions. Use the same common sense in a real world shopping experience when shopping online at home. Does an online offer seem too good to be true? If it does, it could be a scam, which is why you should shop from online retailers that you trust.

8. Don't be afraid to "Get Help" -- Through Comcast.net's Security channel, anyone can access a range of helpful information such as instructions on how to check to see if operating system updates are on, guidance on choosing secure passwords, how to secure a wireless network and other helpful tips to keep children safe online this holiday season.

You can read the full article at http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/NEM07410122007-1.htm


Riverbank Consulting provides a website, SecurePCNews.com that offers ways to protect yourself and your small business from email scams, identity theft, viruses and other online dangers.